Why is Mackerel fillets in sunflower oil classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and does it contain any additives?

The product is canned, which involves cooking the fish, adding sunflower oil, water and salt, and sealing it in a steel tin; this level of processing places it in NOVA 3. The ingredient list shows no added additives, so the only components are mackerel fillets, sunflower oil, water and salt.

How does the high fat and protein content of this product affect a low‑fat or calorie‑restricted diet?

With 16 g of fat and 22 g of protein per 100 g, the product provides a substantial amount of calories (232 kcal) and saturated fat (2.9 g), which can quickly exceed the limits of low‑fat or low‑calorie plans, even though the protein and omega‑3 fatty acids are nutritionally beneficial.

Is the fish in this product a concern for people with a fish allergy?

Yes. The main ingredient is mackerel fillet, a fish, and the product is labeled with a fish allergen warning, so anyone allergic to fish should avoid it.

NiXe • 125g

Mackerel fillets in sunflower oil

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Mackerel fillets in sunflower oil are a canned seafood product made in Denmark and sold at Lidl in the United Kingdom. It belongs to the Fish, Meat & Eggs group, carries a Nutri‑Score of A, and is classified in the NOVA 3 processed‑food category. With 16 g of fat, 2.9 g of saturated fat and 22 g of protein per 100 g, it offers a high protein boost and omega‑3 fats but also contributes a moderate amount of salt (0.62 g) and a relatively high calorie level of 232 kcal, which may be a drawback for low‑calorie diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal232 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat2.9 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average seafood category, this mackerel product contains more than double the fat (16 g vs 6.6 g), about twice the saturated fat (2.9 g vs 1.3 g), markedly lower salt (0.62 g vs 5.3 g), zero sugars versus 0.98 g, higher protein (22 g vs 18 g) and thus delivers roughly 55 % more calories per 100 g (232 kcal vs 149 kcal).

Ingredients

Mackerel fillets 72%, sunflower oil 25%, water, salt

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Mackerel fillets in sunflower oil.

The Fishmonger

Mackerel in Sunflower oil

View Analysis

The Fishmonger

125 g